Former Spotsylvania teacher named tops in history
Former Riverbend High School teacher Wunneanatsu Lamb–Cason has been named the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
Lamb–Cason was recognized for her innovative lesson plans and leadership in history education at the local, state and national levels. She is an enrolled citizen of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation of Connecticut and is affiliated with the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin.
"She is dedicated to advancing Indigenous studies and ensuring accurate representation of Indigenous voices in American history," stated a news release.
On Oct. 15, she will receive a $10,000 prize during a ceremony at the Harvard Club of New York City. The event will be televised nationally.
Lamb–Cason taught history at Riverbend and "over the past 10 years ... inspired numerous Spotsylvania County students to have a passion for learning," said Dr. Deborah Frazier, chief academic officer for Spotsylvania County Public Schools, who hired her.
"Through her engaging classroom instruction, our students have gained a greater understanding of history and the importance of this knowledge as it relates to our present day and future," she added. "Ms. Cason is truly deserving of this distinguished honor."
Lamb–Cason currently serves as assistant director of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Brown's website describes her as "an educator, advocate, traditional storyteller and author who has been a voice for social, cultural and educational equity for more than 20 years."
She is a founding member of the Schaghticoke Women's Traditional Council. and recently was appointed chair of the National Council for the Social Studies Indigenous Peoples Policy Task Force.
Her areas of interest include the roles of Indigenous women in Southern New England, sharing knowledge through storytelling and accurate and respectful inclusion of Indigenous histories in educational resources.
She has written classroom materials, teacher resources and textbook content for McGraw-Hill Education, the Library of Congress and the University of the Arts among others, according to her bio on Brown's website.
Her children's book, "Grandmother Moon," will be released in 2025.
Lamb–Cason said the award not only recognizes her work, "but also celebrates the educators, administrators and students who have supported and inspired" her over the years.
"Being recognized at this level serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of including diverse perspectives in teaching American history," she said, "especially those of traditionally marginalized communities."
The Gilder Lehrman Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 American history education. It annually recognizes one teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and U.S. territories, then selects a national winner from the 53 nominees.
The list of state winners is available at gilderlehrman.org/history-teacher-year/state-winners .
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